RENEW International and “Why Catholic?” are Enriching the Spiritual Lives of Catholics Everywhere

Catholics everywhere have been experiencing the joy of spiritual renewal through the acclaimed, Scripture-based, faith formation program by RENEW International, "Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism." This evangelical process explores the basic tenants of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and encourages learning in a supportive, prayerful group setting. It shows adults how to find meaning in Sacred Scripture and relate its core teachings to their everyday lives. This RENEW International program is comprised of four books of twelve sessions which explore the sacraments, morality, and prayer. It includes direct quotes from the Catechism, references to Scripture, questions for individual and group reflection, and concludes with a dynamic invitation to put faith into action. The program has been enthusiastically embraced by small Christian communities, families, and parishes, while endorsed by Dioceses and Church Leaders.

The success of the RENEW International "Why Catholic?" program is evidenced through the spiritual growth of a small group of parishioners in the Diocese of Davenport, at the St. Joseph Parish in Wellman, Iowa. Every Sunday night for four years, twelve people from diverse backgrounds, of all ages, and with different ideas about faith met to study Scripture. They hoped to deepen their understanding of the Bible through study, sharing questions, and discussion. What they didn't expect from the process was how much they came to know about each other and how much stronger their individual and collective faith became. To facilitate their learning, Wellman parishioners used "Why Catholic?" for their resource material. It helped them better analyze the Catechism in smaller pieces and guide them to its true meaning. It was an exciting time, as they connected the rich lessons of Scripture to their own lives and realized the deep spiritual fulfillment which comes from faith-sharing. You can read more about the Wellman parishioners experience at: http://www.catholicmessenger.org/articles/2010/04/14/features/doc4bc5fe31a9697163648424.txt

RENEW International Resources and Publications

An important part of the RENEW International process is encouraging people to gather together so they can grow spiritually within faith sharing communities. Participants learn from Scripture and find enlightening ways to connect its lessons to their daily life. They celebrate their faith, support one another, and feel connected to both their parish and the greater Catholic community. RENEW International supports and enriches this group experience with their printed materials and multimedia resources. These beautifully crafted and theologically-rich materials help people find their faith and experience the joys of spiritual renewal.

A popular resource for adult faith formation and group sharing has been the publication, "Why Catholic?" and "¿Por qué ser católico?" RENEW is proud to also have available the powerful follow-up resources, "Longing for the Holy: Spirituality for Everyday Life", and Sedientos de Dios: una espiritualidad para la gente de hoy. These parallel products help people better sense God's presence and positively channel their internal longing. The structure of the materials is ideal for group study but can also be enjoyed individually by anyone who wants to be comforted and guided by their faith. RENEW International has made available a companion music CD for "Longing for the Holy" which features thirteen songs suggested in the book for times of prayer. These songs are ideal for opening and closing faith-sharing sessions. The books come in a variety of languages and an audio version for the visually impaired and those people who enjoy hearing Scripture come to life. Other published materials to support and enhance small catholic community gatherings are: "PrayerTime: Faith-Sharing Reflections on the Sunday Gospels" and "Gleanings, A Personal Prayer Journal". These and other dynamic faith-sharing materials for dioceses, parishes, individuals, and families can be found at the RENEW International bookstore at www.renewinternational.org/.

RENEW International and ARISE Together in Christ: Encouraging Compassionate Acts of Service and Charity

RENEW International and its highly successful program, ARISE Together in Christ, have encouraged acts of sharing, service, and charity throughout the Archdiocese of Boston. ARISE Together in Christ is active in more than 170 parishes and touched the lives of 30,000 individuals who have come together in small, faith-sharing communities. The program has bridged the gaps between people of diverse ethnic backgrounds and economic conditions. It has forged relationships between parishioners of all ages and made a strong connection the greater Catholic community. One of the most personal and gratifying effects of the RENEW International program, is the way it has fostered feeling of compassion towards others.

Participants in ARISE Together in Christ have responded to needs, both within their community and in challenged areas around the globe. People are taking action such as raising money, contributing to their local food pantry, and participating in projects to help the developing world. The program has taught them to celebrate their faith and encouraged compassion and action. Below are some first-person accounts from participating parishes in Boston:

"My group was so touched by the Scripture story of the "Woman at the Well" during the third week of Lent that we decided to do something positive about water in the third world. We raised over $2,000.00 to help drill a well for a poor village in Honduras." - St. John the Baptist, Quincy

"Our small communities worked with OXFAM to purchase water jugs for poor families. One of our priests is from Vietnam and we focused on the need for clean water in his home village by providing for two cisterns. We also made and served sandwiches for the homeless in shelters downtown." - St. Joseph, Medford

"We have become a family at St Julia's in a way we have not been before. Several actions came out of our group: money was provided to someone who would otherwise not have been able to afford a needed kidney transplant; we had a clothing and food drive; and we worked on the rehabilitation of a three family unit in a low housing project called "Rebuilding Boston." - St. Julia, Weston

"One of our small communities decided to raise enough money to purchase a water pump for a poor village in Africa."- St. Pius X, Lynn

RENEW International is planning to bring ARISE Together in Christ to other parishes in the country. This spring, the Diocese of Stockton in California became the second diocese to begin the process of ARISE. With God's grace, may their parish members experience the same personal and communal spiritual renewal as they learn ways to apply the teachings of the gospel to their lives.

RENEW International Expands its Work in African Dioceses

Through its RENEW Africa outreach, RENEW International has proudly expanded its evangelical work in Dioceses throughout Africa. First their members successfully led Parish Missions within the Diocese of Port Elizabeth. Following this foundation, parish leaders gathered together for a successful training session prior to the official diocesan launch of RENEW's programs. Three of those regions even held a special Eucharistic celebration, which reached thousands of participants who came attired in their traditional African clothing. It was a passionate coming together of people seeking spiritual renewal and wanting a greater connection to each other and God.

To-date, RENEW International has reached more than 70 churches throughout Port Elizabeth. They have proudly trained more than 900 lay leaders to bring together people to form their own smaller, caring Christian communities. Those who participated have felt God's healing grace and many people have found their way back home to the Church. One Small Community Leader in the Diocese of Port Elizabeth said about RENEW, "The best part of my RENEW Africa experience is realizing at this time and moment of how grateful I am that I live in Christ and he loves me. Even though I am in pain it doesn't prevent me welcoming brothers and sisters to his banquet by my actions and commitment." The programs will continue with training workshops conducted in both their native language, Xhosa, and English.

The Diocese of Queenstown, South Africa has reached out to RENEW International to also implement RENEW Africa. The people within this very rural diocese have benefited from the formation of small Christian communities and responded to workshops conducted in Xhosa. Participants in these struggling areas have found comfort and gratitude in realizing Christ's love and learning to live according to Gospel. They realized how they can come together with their fellow man for the benefit of the entire community and their individual spirit. RENEW furthered its efforts in Africa by working with associates from within the country to publish books. RENEW International is committed to expanding their presence in international dioceses to reach similarly challenged people in need everywhere.

RENEW International: Reaching Out to Young Adults

RENEW International recognizes that young adults are at an important transitional time in their lives. They are trying to figure out who they are, what they want to do, and how they fit into the world. During their 20's and college years, they are exposed to academic and social stresses. Young people are surrounded by peer pressure and can be exposed to unhealthy influences and temptations. In their 20's and 30's, people often get married and consider starting their own families. However, it's best that they first have a strong spiritual sense and moral foundation before making the sacrament of marriage and raising children. A spouse and children will need support and guidance, which can be difficult if their partner and parent isn't certain of his or her own path. Even if a person was raised in a household with an emphasis on faith, young adulthood is a natural time of questioning and self-examination. RENEW International recognizes the challenges of these years and reached out to young adults with the programs: Campus RENEW and RENEW Theology on Tap.

Campus RENEW is a faith-sharing process which has been enthusiastically welcomed on college and university campuses. It bolsters campus ministry programs using students and faculty to encourage peer involvement. RENEW helps students find or reconnect with their faith during this time of emerging adulthood. In keeping with the concerns of students looking to educate themselves about social and global issues, RENEW International has developed, "The World on Campus". This new faith-sharing resource addresses current issues as seen through prayer, Scripture, and Catholic Social Teaching. RENEW Theology on Tap is a highly sought-after program by many parishes throughout the country and around the world. It is a dynamic young Catholic adult ministry which evangelizes young people and helps lead them back to active involvement in the Church. Adults in their 20's and 30's gather together in comfortable group settings and explore theological topics made relevant to their lives and experiences today. Young people are happier once they know the comfort and strength of God's love and receive guidance from Scripture. Through the programs and materials of RENEW International, they are finding their own adult voice and embracing their faith, while discovering the joy of celebrating spirituality with others.

Sr. Theresa Rickard, O.P. to Lead RENEW International

RENEW International has appointed Sr. Theresa Rickard, O.P., to serve as both their President and Executive Director. Sr. Terry is a Dominican Sister of Blauvelt, New York who holds a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, MO. She has also earned a Master of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary in NYC and a Master of Arts in Religion and Religious Education at Fordham University. Sr. Terry has been an important part of this canonically-recognized, international, Catholic organization. Since becoming Executive Director three years ago, she has been instrumental in the development and expansion of several pastoral processes which evangelize Catholics, encourage adult faith formation, and foster spiritual renewal. Among these powerful programs is, "Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism," which gives Catholics greater understanding of church doctrines, deepens their faith, and gives them the confidence to share it with others.

Sr. Terry has a long-history of understanding an ethnically diverse, global Church which stems from her early ministry years working in multicultural parishes within the South Bronx in New York City. She recognizes the unique challenges of all people and appreciates the benefits parish life and small faith-sharing communities can bring to those socially, economically, and spiritually in need. She has worked tirelessly to share God's blessings with everyone and help people make connections between faith and life. Having identified the spiritual needs of people around the world, Sr. Terry's efforts with RENEW have reached beyond our country's borders into five developing countries. She has personally championed RENEW Africa, a process developed specifically to meet their local pastoral needs and address spiritual concerns expressed by the Synod of Bishops for Africa for their people.

Sr. Terry has helped expand RENEW International into more than forty dioceses throughout the United States, in parishes, and on campuses. College campuses have welcomed RENEW, whose programs are reaching young Catholic adults and becoming an integral part of their emerging adult faith. She is a celebrated retreat leader and passionate speaker known for her enthusiasm for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. About her appointment, Sr. Terry remarked, "I am honored to have the trust and full support of RENEW's Board, Fr. Tom, and Archbishop Myers to lead RENEW's excellent team in providing innovative pastoral services which build vibrant faith communities of hope and Gospel action." RENEW International is proud to have Sr. Terry leading them forward, as they continue to foster spiritual renewal within individuals and communities by showing them new ways to strengthen, celebrate, and share their faith.

RENEW International Strengthens Adults' Faith with, “Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism.”

Dioceses throughout the U.S. and abroad are embracing the RENEW International program, "Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism" and making it the foundation of their adult faith formation and evangelization process. It explains the core teachings of Catholicism, ideally in a comfortable, small group setting, where participants study, pray, and learn about the core principles of their faith. The program is comprised of workshops and written materials, with a music CD that accompanies the English language version. Attesting to the strength of the materials, one participant commented, "The workshop booklet has pulled together a terrific outline for thought, study, and prayer," while another said, "I've come closer to Christ." In the near future, RENEW International will give the option of participating in adult faith formation workshops via a "webinar" for those who cannot attend in-person in a diocese. This technology is expected to be useful to parishes in other countries who are participating in this spiritually enriching process.

This powerful program is resonating with Catholics everywhere because it answers many of their questions and leads them to a greater understanding of church doctrines. The group setting encourages sharing and allows for moments of personal connection to the teachings of scripture. It is particularly powerful to hear about a theological topic and then learn how one's friends in faith are living the lessons today. Parish and diocesan ministries have initiated "Why Catholic? Journey through the Catechism," in prisons and health care facilities. This RENEW International program has also been reaching young people on college campuses. College students have welcomed the opportunity to strengthen their faith during a critical time when they're forming their beliefs as adults. This is a powerful program for anyone who has ever had questions about being Catholic and is seeking solace and spiritual strength from answers.

RENEW International: ARISE Together in Christ, in Boston and Beyond

ARISE Together in Christ is one of the most powerful programs of RENEW International, a non-profit global Catholic ministry. It was originally developed to meet challenges within the Archdiocese of Boston; however, it has become model which is meeting pastoral needs across the United States. The Church in Boston has many challenges which are also faced by the greater Catholic Church today. There is more diversity in the parish populations with a need for a bilingual communication, parents struggling to build a strong family of faith among societal pressures and distractions, and young adults searching for direction who don't always first turn to the Church.

RENEW International and ARISE Together in Christ reached out to help the Boston Church. The initiative brought together all aspects of the Archdiocese, from the Pastoral Center to schools, campuses, nursing homes, and prisons. It connected the Archdiocesan offices and ministries of Boston, giving them better tools to communicate with their parishioners and themselves. Workshops have been offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and materials translated into six languages to better reach participants of all backgrounds. RENEW International helped divide Boston parishes into small communities where people can celebrate and collectively share their faith. Participants have experienced renewed hope, found peace through their strengthened belief, and forged strong relationships with others and God. They experience the joys and strength of shared spirituality and gain a greater understanding of what it means to be Catholic. ARISE Together in Christ has reached more than 30,000 individuals and breathed new life into over 170 Boston-area parishes. Word of this program's success is spreading to parishes across the country and beyond its borders, bringing much-needed healing and spiritual renewal to Catholics everywhere.

RENEW International: The Light is on for You

RENEW International is proudly working to support the Archdiocese of Boston in a special initiative for Lent called, "The Light is on for You." All churches and chapels in parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Boston will open their confessionals and their hearts every Wednesday night from 6:30-8:00PM (Feb 24 -March 31). Priests will be on hand ready and waiting to welcome Catholics back to the Church and celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. It also also a wonderful time for anyone to be introduced to the Church for the first time.

As their partner ministry organization, RENEW International is sharing this invitation with its parishioners, families, and friends to help spread the word of this spiritually healing opportunity in Boston. Catholics can experience all the joys of forgiveness and achieve true peace of mind through the act of confession. It doesn't matter how long it's been since someone has been to Church or the nature of their sins. Lent is the ideal time to let God relieve their burden and receive his grace. RENEW International and the Archdiocese of Boston believe that everyone would benefit from receiving the sacrament, strengthening their relationship with God, and celebrating a fresh new start. This Lent, the Church is asking Catholics to come home for Easter with an open heart and mind and be healed by Christ's love.

RENEW International Brings Young Catholics Together

Young Catholic adults want the same thing – to fully live and enjoy their life but also find ways to incorporate their faith. Family and thee parish provide an outlet for celebrating spirituality. However, sometimes young adults simply want to connect with others at their same stage of life. They want to talk about their faith but also make like-minded friends and share experiences. There are also temptations, distractions, and challenges especially for young people. It can be helpful to talk to someone else who's experienced the same things, worked through them, and is successfully living according to the Gospel. The Roman Catholic ministry organization, RENEW International, recognizes this is helping younger members of the greater Catholic community through Theology on Tap.

Theology on Tap is a comprehensive ministry, specially designed for young Catholic adults. It is managed by RENEW International and helps adults in their 20's and 30's to foster spiritual growth. It is also a wonderful way for them to make friends. The program gives people a way to meet in a comfortable setting, which could be a restaurant, bar, home, or community building and talk openly. They may take the opportunity for active faith sharing or may just enjoy getting to know each other. One participant commented, "Theology on Tap is a great way to connect with friends - we don't often spend a lot of time thinking or talking about our spiritual lives!" It is the connection to other young Catholics which is really powerful. RENEW International designs events which can stand-alone or consist of a series of meetings. A speaker usually presents on a theological topic, relevant to today's experiences, and afterwards there's group discussion. However, the form of the gatherings can be as structured or casual as the participants would like. If someone is interested in finding a Theology on Tap event or wants to learn more about this growing youth ministry, they can go to the website: http://www.renewtot.org/.

RENEW International: Theology on Tap

RENEW International manages Theology of Tap, a comprehensive young adult ministry designed to reach out to Catholics in need of spiritual growth. It offers a safe and special place where people in their 20s and 30s can learn how to celebrate their faith in daily life and use it to overcome challenges. The program provides an opportunity for young people to feel welcomed within the Church and enjoy a sense of belonging to the greater Catholic community.

RENEW International recognizes that young adults have unique concerns and interests. Theology on Tap offers events which address the topics most important to them, in a group setting which encourages sharing and a collective celebration of faith. Events take place in homes, restaurants, bars, community centers, or within a church – anywhere young people are comfortable gathering. A speaker presents on a theological topic and makes it relevant to today's experiences. Afterwards, there is discussion, questions, and sharing. Theology on Tap can consist of a stand-alone meeting or series of events. However, all of the activities are meant to bring people together and involve them more in the Catholic community. The goal of the program and RENEW International is to offer a wonderful opportunity for young Catholics to discover (or reawaken) their faith and build a stronger relationship with God. This is particularly important during formative years when they are establishing their independence, developing their attitudes as adults, and having their own families.

The Outstanding Leadership of RENEW International

The non-profit Catholic organization, RENEW International, has leadership, who are deeply committed to their mission. Msgr. Tom Kleissler is example of the kind of priest who's the heart and soul of this caring, global ministry. He was ordained in 1957 and has always been devoted to the Church and had a clear vision and desire to improve our world. Fr. Tom has always believed a priest needs to be part of his people and an example of how to live Christ's gospel. He wanted to bring renewal to the Church, with laypersons integrally involved in the parish, civic, and world issues. He envisioned the parish as one extended Christian community, comprised of many smaller caring communities, all sharing and celebrating their faith and love of God.

Fr. Tom Kleissler joined with the like-minded Msgr. Tom Ivory and they worked together to build the foundation of the RENEW International process. From the beginning, it was apparent that people embraced their vision, as word quickly spread and inquires were made from dioceses throughout the United States and other countries spiritually in need. RENEW International has spread the Good News, and helped thousands of people build a better relationship with God, becoming more spiritually aware, and develop a greater understanding of what it means to be Catholic. Fr. Tom has spent a lifetime guiding the member of RENEW, and strengthening parishes everywhere. He continues to be an outstanding leader who is energized by today's new opportunities for faith formation among children, teens, and adults both at home and abroad.

RENEW International: Faith-Sharing Materials for Lent

RENEW International recognizes that Lent is an ideal time for Catholics to enrich their faith and gain a greater sense of God's grace in their lives. RENEW International is a non-profit Catholic ministry organization renowned for their faith sharing materials. Their library comprises the largest online resource for parishes, parishioners, and small Christian communities. The mission of the ministry is to foster spiritual renewal by helping individuals or groups strengthen their relationship with God, deepen and celebrate their faith, and connect their faith with action in daily life. They have many strong selections to guide people year-round; however, certain materials are ideally suited for study and reflection during Lent.

"Forgiveness and Reconciliation," authored by Jean Marie Hiesberger, is part of RENEW's Impact Series. Through inspiring stories, it teaches how the acts of forgiveness and being forgiven will bring about the beauty and inner freedom of reconciliation. The book offers six sessions which demonstrate the connection between God's healing power and forgiveness. "Lenten Longings: Cycle C," authored by Catherine T. Nerney, SSJ, PhD and part of the Impact Series, is designed to work with individuals, seasonal groups, or small Christian communities. Written in simple language and using everyday metaphors, this material shares ways to surrender self, work for justice, and enrich prayer life. "Longing for the Holy: Spirituality for Everyday Life," is written by best-selling author Fr. Ronald Rolheiser, O.M.I. It should be required reading for anyone who wants to deepen their sense of God's presence in their life. The book addresses challenges within present day, which can impede the search for faith and celebration of personal spirituality. It focuses on the themes of Church community, sexuality, justice, and living a spiritual life. Other materials recommended by RENEW International for reading and reflection during Lent are: "Sedientos de Dios: una espiritualidad para la gente de hoy," and "Gleanings: A Personal Prayer Journal" which provides 170 pages where people can write about their thoughts, record feelings, and pray. RENEW International's complete faith-sharing library can be accessed by members at: http://www.renewinternational.org/.

RENEW International - Why the Internet is Essential to their Outreach

RENEW International realizes the important role web technology plays in today's world. Members of Catholic parishes, campuses, and dioceses all over the world rely on the internet for their news and entertainment. It has become the most common way for people to obtain information, connect, and communicate with others. Catholics in today's world are familiar with online use and it's important for RENEW to have an easy way to share information and reach them. For those people who struggle with how to incorporate their faith into daily life, the internet provides a method which is both current and comfortable. In recognition of this, RENEW International had developed a rich website, http://www.renewinternational.org/ which has been recognized for its excellence in the faith-based field.

The website of RENEW International was designed with features to facilitate the spiritual renewal of its followers. The site has a members-accessible ministry document library with helpful tools and new ideas for Catholics. There is a discussion forum which is a powerful outlet for communication, faith-sharing, and asking questions to one another and RENEW personnel. Their national calendar of events can be easily viewed and articles downloaded that highlight important and inspirational worldwide happenings. Followers can sign-up for World RENEW, a newsletter that features topics about spiritual life with personnel antidotes, behind-the scene stories, and updates on the happenings of RENEW International in communities around the globe. The website, http://www.renewinternational.org/, is also a growing resource for ordering books and other materials online such as: "Why Catholic?" an essential tool that individuals or faith-sharing communities can use for reference, prayer, and education about the Catechism of the Catholic Church and "Sowing Seeds," which references over 30 years' experience in establishing and promoting smaller Christian communities. The goal of RENEW International's website is to support the people they serve around the world, touch and transform the lives of all parishioners, and provide a strong connection to the greater Catholic community.

Small Christian Communities are the Heart of RENEW International

RENEW International began in the later 1970s through small Christian communities which were formed within the parishes of the Archdiocese of Newark, NJ. Participants met in groups of approximately eight to twelve people either at church facilities, community buildings, or in a parishioner's home. They would gather to pray, read and reflect on Scripture, discuss the power of the Gospel, and recommit to their faith. These spiritual gatherings were very successful and other dioceses formed similar communities, following the model of RENEW International.

Dioceses throughout the United States have realized the power of these Christian gatherings. They are happening in large cities, small towns, and tiny villages all over the world. The groups help everyone, from the committed church-going parishioners to those who haven't been regularly observing their faith. They are even reaching people who have lost their way, such as those incarcerated, and making them again part of a parish. RENEW International has encouraged a very personal setting, where people feel connected to the larger, caring Christian community. The small gatherings provide an outlet where people are supported during special times of need, gain new insight into Scripture, and reawaken their belief in the power of the Holy Spirit. Most importantly, participants learn how they can live according to their faith and strengthen their individual relationship with God.

ARISE Together in Christ with RENEW International

ARISE Together in Christ is one of the most inspirational and spiritually fulfilling programs developed by RENEW International. A true Archdiocesan collaboration, ARISE Together in Christ, follows the successful design of other RENEW programs: small Christian community faith sharing with strong lay leadership training. Since the program was first formed, more than three thousand members of over 150 parishes have attended the Launching, Liturgy, and Evangelization workshops which combine for a successful implementation. The three workshops offer practical ideas and relatable ways that the Gospel can be applied to daily life.

ARISE Together in Christ is unique because of the way it can reach and teach people all ages, races, and socio economic backgrounds in different countries. The dedicated RENEW International staff works with The Office of New Evangelization and Youth Ministry to provide high-school aged youth with materials to become youth ministers within their parishes. They confer with The Office of Religious Education and the Directors of Religious Education of all parishes to begin teaching elementary-aged children the idea of faith sharing. The Office of Cultural Diversity has translated the faith-sharing materials into six different languages; while prison chaplains have been given ARISE Together in Christ to incarcerated people looking to rebuild their relationship with God. RENEW International has surveyed parishioners and, based on their responses, have expanded the program with the young adult workshop, Preparing Place: Becoming a Young Adult Responsive Parish and expects to launch Called to Live the Just Word: Immersion and Reflection Experience which centers on justice and public service. This program is one of the most vibrant devised by RENEW and is helping Catholics everywhere celebrate their faith.